How to Change the Look of a Wooden Headboard

Mix 1/4 cup all purpose cleanser with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a sponge in the mixture and wring it out. Wipe down the headboard, removing dust and other grime. Pat it down with paper towels and allow it to fully air dry.

Apply a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to the bottom of an electric sander. Run the sander across the surface of the headboard, removing the old finish. Repeat with 200-grit sandpaper and 300-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the surface of the headboard with a tack cloth to take off the dust from sanding.

Dip a 3-inch nylon brush into a coat of latex primer. Coat the headboard with a light coat of primer. This will cover the grain of the wood and give you an even canvas to work with. Allow it to dry for three to four hours.

Cover the headboard with the latex paint of your choice. Ideally, you should choose a color that complements or matches your decor scheme. Allow it to dry over night. Apply a second coat the next day, allowing it to dry fully for at least 12 hours.

Attach stencils to the center of the headboard with painter's tape. The stencils can be in any image or pattern that you like, from ivy to sailboats to flowers to angels.

Hold a can of latex spray paint 8 inches from the canvas and spray the stencils on using even strokes. Remove the stencils and allow them to dry overnight.